Chess Opening · A00
Kings Fianchetto Opening
For sub-1000 ELO players
The Kings Fianchetto Opening (ECO A00), also known as Benko's Opening, starts with 1. g3 followed by Bg2, placing the bishop on the long diagonal. Stockfish 17 at depth 25 evaluates the position at roughly -0.1 after the main line 1. g3 d5 2. Bg2 Nf6 3. Nf3 c6, meaning the game is nearly equal with a tiny pull for Black. Sub-1000 ELO players should respond by claiming the center with d5 and developing pieces actively rather than copying White's fianchetto setup.
The Best Response
Moves to Play
White · Black alternating
1. g3 d52. Bg2 Nf63. Nf3 c6White opens with 1. g3, preparing to fianchetto the bishop to g2. Black immediately takes the center with 1...d5. White develops the bishop with 2. Bg2, aiming at the long diagonal, and Black develops a knight with 2...Nf6. After 3. Nf3, Black solidifies the center with 3...c6, creating a robust pawn structure that the g2 bishop cannot easily penetrate.
Who Stands Better
(slight advantage for White)
Copy these moves:
1. g3 d5 2. Bg2 Nf6 3. Nf3 c6 4. O-O Bg4 5. d3 e63 Mistakes Sub-1000 Players Make
These are the patterns we see in games below 1000 ELO. Fix these and you'll stop losing to this opening.
Not claiming the center with pawns
Sub-1000 players see White playing on the flank and mirror it with g6 and Bg7. They do not realize that the best counter to a flank opening is strong central control.
e4Mirroring with g6 instead of taking space
Beginners often copy their opponent's strategy, playing g6 and Bg7 to mirror the fianchetto. This gives up the chance to dominate the center while White plays passively.
d4Not developing bishops aggressively
Sub-1000 players often tuck their bishops away on safe squares like e7 or d6 instead of placing them where they create real pressure against White's pieces.
c4Why This Opening Trips You Up
The Core Problem
The Kings Fianchetto looks mysterious to sub-1000 players because the bishop on g2 seems dangerous on the long diagonal. In reality, a strong pawn on d5 blocks that bishop, and solid development gives Black at least an equal game.
Before Your Next Game
Do not be intimidated by the fianchetto. Play d5, develop your knights to f6 and c6, and you will have a perfectly good game. The g2 bishop is not as strong as it looks when your pawns block the diagonal.
What to Study
Play through 1. g3 d5 2. Bg2 Nf6 3. Nf3 c6 4. O-O Bg4 five times against a bot. Focus on building a solid center and placing your bishop on g4 to pin the knight.
Engine-verified by Stockfish 17 at depth 25. Reviewed by Jon Stenstrom, Chess.com 759 Daily, Founder, 1000elo.com.
Play this opening? See how it's actually working for you.
Enter your Chess.com username and get a free analysis of your last 10 games, including which opening patterns are costing you points.
Analyze My Games Free →